Evergy Energy: Peak Shaving and Load Shifting

Peak Shaving and Load Shifting for Evergy Energy Homeowners with Whole Home Backup Batteries

Homeowners are increasingly turning to renewable energy solutions to cut costs and make their homes more energy-efficient. Two strategies that can make a big impact on both the environment and your energy bill are peak shaving and load shifting.

With a whole home backup battery system, these strategies become not just possible but highly practical. Let’s take a deeper dive into how these concepts work, why they’re valuable, and how they can be implemented in homes with a backup battery system.

What Are Peak Shaving and Load Shifting?

• Peak Shaving involves reducing electricity consumption during periods of peak demand—usually when electricity rates are at their highest. In practical terms, this means using stored energy from a backup battery to avoid pulling electricity from the grid when demand (and prices) are elevated.

  

  
  

• Load Shifting is about optimizing the timing of your energy use. With load shifting, homeowners can charge their home battery during off-peak hours, when electricity rates are lower, and then use that stored power during more expensive peak periods.

  

Both strategies are made easier and more effective by the use of a whole home battery system, which stores electricity and can automatically switch to battery power when the timing is right.

Benefits of Peak Shaving and Load Shifting

For homeowners, the combination of peak shaving and load shifting brings several notable advantages:

• Lower Electricity Bills: By reducing or eliminating energy usage during peak rate periods, you can see significant savings on your monthly electricity bill.

• Increased Energy Independence: Backup battery systems give you more control over when and how you use electricity, reducing your reliance on the grid.

• Environmental Benefits: Shifting energy use away from peak periods can help reduce the load on the grid, particularly when fossil fuels are being used to meet excess demand. This helps cut carbon emissions.

How Whole Home Backup Batteries Play a Role

Backup battery systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall 2 or similar technologies, are central to effectively implementing peak shaving and load shifting in your home. Here’s how these batteries can be used:

• Energy Storage: The backup battery stores energy either generated by a home solar system or pulled from the grid during times when electricity rates are lowest (off-peak times).

• Peak Demand Management: When rates spike during peak periods, the backup battery automatically switches over to power the home, reducing the need for expensive electricity from the grid.

• Load Shifting Control: Batteries can be programmed to discharge power at optimal times to avoid peak costs, while ensuring that there is always enough charge reserved for emergencies.

These capabilities make backup battery systems extremely beneficial for homeowners looking to optimize energy consumption and save money.

Peak and Off-Peak Rates: A Closer Look

In many regions, electricity costs vary based on the time of day, with Time-of-Use (TOU) rates dictating higher prices during times when demand is high. For example, in Missouri, Evergy Energy uses TOU rates, meaning that customers pay more during the late afternoon and early evening, when most households use the most electricity.

Here’s a comparison table of typical energy rates during different times:

Time Period	Rate (per kWh)
Off-Peak (12 PM - 6 AM)	$0.029
Mid-Peak (All Other)	$0.106
Peak (4 PM - 8 PM)	$0.358

With a whole home backup battery system, you can store electricity at $0.029 per kWh during off-peak periods and use that stored energy during peak times, avoiding the $0.358 per kWh rate.

How Home Batteries Help with Peak Shaving: A Real-Life Example

Let’s take the example of a Tesla Powerwall 2, which has a storage capacity of 13.5 kWh. Suppose your average home electricity usage during peak times is 10 kWh. By using your Powerwall during these periods, you can completely avoid paying the peak rate of $0.358 per kWh, which means you save $3.58 per day, or about $107 per month just by peak shaving.

Using Automation for Maximum Efficiency

Backup battery systems are often equipped with smart energy management systems that can optimize energy usage for the homeowner. For instance, batteries can be paired with mobile apps that provide real-time updates on energy use, battery status, and grid rates, ensuring that you are always using energy at the most cost-effective times.

Features of Smart Energy Management Systems:

• Automatic Peak Detection: The system will recognize when peak pricing is in effect and shift the load to the battery.

• Customizable Energy Schedules: Homeowners can set their preferences to align battery usage with times when electricity rates are highest.

• Emergency Power Reserve: Some systems let you allocate a portion of the battery specifically for emergency use, so you’re never completely without power.

Key Considerations for Homeowners

If you’re thinking about installing a whole home backup battery for peak shaving and load shifting, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Battery Size: Ensure the battery size is sufficient for your home’s energy needs. The Tesla Powerwall 2, with 13.5 kWh, is typically enough for a day’s worth of power for essential loads.

• Energy Footprint: Homes with higher peak usage may need multiple batteries to see optimal savings.

• Installation Cost: Backup batteries are an investment, but with rising electricity rates and potential incentives, they can offer a significant return on investment over time.

Conclusion: Making Peak Shaving and Load Shifting Work for You

Peak shaving and load shifting offer a great way for homeowners with a whole home backup battery system to save money while reducing strain on the grid. By storing power during off-peak hours and using it during times of high demand, you not only lower your electricity bills but also contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy system.

For those in Missouri, with TOU rates from providers like Evergy Energy, the financial benefits can be especially noticeable. With the help of smart technology and automation, you can take control of your energy use, save money, and stay prepared for power outages—all while playing a role in the broader movement towards renewable energy. Evergy Energy: Peak Shaving and Load Shifting